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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Admissions 2026: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees

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#25 in USA

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  • Estd. 1867
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 10 Dec '25

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Admissions
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International students can take the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign admission 2026 Early or Regularly. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign application deadline for UG and PG programs is given below:

Undergraduate deadline:

  • Early: Nov 1, 2026
  • Regular: Jan 5, 2026

Graduate deadline:

  • Varies according to the program

MBA: Jan 15, 2026 (Gies College of Business) 

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Admissions
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University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Admissions 2026

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I get into UIUC with a 2.9 GPA?
A: 

There is a low chance of selection with GPA of 2.9. As per the selected student profiles, the score obtain by them is 3.7 or above on 4 scale. Students have to aim high GPA to get selected in the UIUC. The university select students with high GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and English language requirements.

Q:   How many applied to UIUC 2025?
A: 

As per the 2025 common data report, over 70,000 students applied at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign for UG admission. Out of the total, more than 31,000 students get enrolled in the program. Students can check the table below for UIUC students statistics:

Particulars

Statistics 2024-2025

Application Received

73,742

Admitted Students

31,247

Total Students Enrolled

9,008

Yield Rate

28.8%

Acceptance Rate

42.37%

Q:   Is GRE required for UIUC?
A: 

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign offer test option when it comes to GRE scores. This means students who wants to submit the score can submit it along with their application. Also, they should submit letter of reference, SOP, resume, transcripts, and English language requirements for PG admission.

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Admission Dates 2026

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is SAT compulsory for UIUC?
A: 

Yes, for most of UG programs at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, SAT and ACT scores are compulsory. They expect a SAT score between 1420 and 1540 as per the student profile. The ACT requirement is between 31 and 35. Student should submit some necessary documents like transcripts, proof of work experience, and English language requirements.

Q:   What is the application deadline for UIUC?
A: 

International students can apply at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign through official website or Common app for UG and only through specific portal for PG admission. They should follow the basic eligibility and submit all the documents required by the university. The UIUC application deadline for UG and PG programs is given below:

Intake

Deadline

Early action

Nov start

Regular decision

Jan start

PG: varies by program

Q:   Is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign better than the University of Chicago?
A: 

The University of Chicago is better than the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. As per the unofficial source, the University of Chicago ranks at #6 among national universities, whereas the UIUC stands at #36 position. Also, the University of Chicago's graduation rate is higher than that of UIUC. Students can check the table below for the comparison between the two universities:

Particulars

University of Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

US News National University Rankings 2025

#6

#36

Graduation Rate

87%

73%

Acceptance Rate

4%

42%

Tuition fees

UG: INR 59 L

PG: INR 20 L- INR 1 Cr

UG: INR 29L- INR 39L

PG: INR 15L- INR 45L

Student-faculty ratio

5:1

20:1

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Admission Requirements 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Is IELTS required for UIUC?
A: 

Students coming from other countries have to proof their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of some popular programs like IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. The university expect an IELTS score between 7.5 and 8. Students can check UIUC English language requirements below:

Test

Minimum Requirements

IELTS

7.5-8

TOEFL

105-111

Duolingo

130-145

Q:   Is Illinois Urbana Champaign hard to get into?
A: 

With 42% acceptance rate, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is hard to get into for Indian students. The below moderate percentage shows that the university follows tough admission process to select students. Some of the factors consider by the university are transcripts, test scores, involvement in extracurricular activities, work experience, and English language requirements.

Q:   Does the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign accept the Common Application?
A: 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign only prefers admission via official application portals (admissions.illinois.edu/apply) for UG and (grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply) for PG. International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit all the required documents asked by the university.

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign MS Admissions 2026

72 courses 9 - 42 months
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15.7L - 45.4L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Undergraduate Degree with 55% aggregate
  • Accepting Exams: TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, GRE, GMAT
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   Overall, is Purdue University superior to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
A: 

Both Purdue and UIUC belong to under 50 top universities and are popular. UIUC is better based on national rankings, high graduation rates, moderate acceptance criteria, and excellent academic structure. Purdue on the other hand is more affordable than UIUC and offers a small class size experience. Students can check the table below for the comparison of both universities:

Particulars

Purdue University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

US News National University Rankings 2025

#46

#36

Graduation Rate

65%

73%

Acceptance Rate

50%

42%

Tuition fees

UG: INR 25L-INR 29L

PG: INR 13L- INR 38L

UG: INR 29L- INR 39L

PG: INR 15L- INR 45L

Student-faculty ratio

15:1

20:1

How to get into University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign?

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What is the acceptance rate for international students at UIUC?
A: 

An unofficial source says, the UIUC acceptance rate is 42%. The percentage shows that the university select students with good score history. They also expect students to take part in extracurricular activities, and show proficiency in English language. Students can check the table below for the class profile of the selected students:

Particulars

Statistics

GPA

3.7-4

SAT

1420-1540

ACT

31-35

English language requirements

IELTS: 7.5-8; TOEFL: 105-112; Duo: 135-145

Q:   What is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign known for?
A: 

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is a popular university in the USA. It  ranked #33 in national universities, #9 in top public schools, and #158 in the best value schools. It has more than 59,000 students and popular as the largest public universities by enrollment in the USA. Also, the university offers over 150 UG and more than 100 PG programs via 16 schools and colleges.

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Enrollment Statistics 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
Q:   Is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign better than the University of Chicago?
A: 

The University of Chicago is better than the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. As per the unofficial source, the University of Chicago ranks at #11 among national universities, whereas the UIUC stands at #33 position. Also, the University of Chicago's graduation rate is higher than that of UIUC. Students can check the table below for the comparison between the two universities:

Particulars

University of Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

US News National University Rankings 2025

#11

#33

Graduation Rate

86%

73%

Acceptance Rate

5%

44%

Tuition fees

UG: INR 48 L-INR 56L

PG: INR 19L- INR 93L

UG: INR 28L- INR 36L

PG: INR 14L- INR 45L

Student-faculty ratio

5:1

20:1

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.4/5
Verified Icon6 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 43% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Academically oriented
Friendly
Liberal
Fun loving
Internships4.2
Part time work4.7
Post study jobs4.3
Quality of faculty5
Student Life4.8
Value for money4.3
Public transportation5
Safety4.5
Indian Food3.2
Permanent Immigration3.5
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership - Batch of 2026
4.3
A big university in a small town with modern facilities.
Tips: The university is truly awesome, you don't have to worry about that. If you are looking for a calm but fun town to spend your 5 years of the Ph.D, then you are looking at the right place. It's very fresh in here. If you are expecting US city life, then you probably need to go to Chicago, which is around 3 hours away from here. There are many on-campus jobs available and even plenty of off-campus jobs as well. If you are a graduate student, it's even better because you can work with professors on their research projects. The hourly pay is also not bad as the expenses in this town are very low. Overall, I am very satisfied with the environment, people, university culture, eating out options, etc.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): In general, there are fewer immigration options in the US. Provided the current scenario, the opportunities are getting even fewer. If I get a chance to permanently immigrate to the US, I would definitely not think twice about it. But the chances are better if you are from a STEM field or Academia.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025Read more
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Keval Morabia Verified Icon
Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Batch of 2020
4.5
One of the best CS grad schools where I was able to make net positive money during my Masters!
Tips: Do not let cold weather be a reason for not joining UIUC, you get used to it. Apart from the thesis, there is no difference between MS and MS programme and both are considered the same for job applications but the thesis programme helps you improve your profile by getting to work with a professor on a research project. Computer Science programme has decent TA/RA opportunities and if you get one, you get 100% fee waiver and $2500 monthly stipend which is well above the monthly expenses. Post covid, intake to the professional MS programme has significantly increased from ~60 to ~300 resulting in a lot more competition to get a TA/RA.
Likes (Quality of faculty): UIUC has some of the best faculty in Computer Science, many times professors teach content that has been published in books by themselves. UIUC has many diverse professors, a very wide choice of course selection and a lot of flexibility in choosing courses.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Since Urban-Champaign is a college town, there are not that many Indian restaurants and for people who eat Jain food, there are hardly any food options outside. But there are many events in the department buildings where you can occasionally get free Pizzas.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024Read more
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Akash Singh Verified Icon
Master of Science in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Batch of 2022
5
Best campustown in USA which gives you most bang for your buck compared to anywhere in states
Tips: Very accommodating culture. It will be the best experience of your life. Teachers are very knowledgeable. MS programme can be tailored to your liking where you can take courses from any department without much restrictions. This happened to be the best experience of my life.
Likes (Safety): Campustown is organized in a manner where all the students converge to Green Street where we have everything needed creating an awesome environment to meet new people and have fun. Cricket lovers can join Cricket Club of Illinois for a rewarding cricket experience and tons of tournaments in summer.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Faculty is very approachable and compassionate. After first semester most Masters student can find a RA or TA position. Try to meet with the faculty and show what drives you to do research and teaching and you will get a way around. The faculty is well-educated and mostly from universities ranked above UIUC.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 62650
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2024
4.1
Most people and faculty are friendly.
Tips: Champaign is the best town to live in for those coming to the US for the first time. Pros such as low rent, a friendly campus, etc. can be of help. I availed a Research Assistantship which resulted in a tuition fee waiver. Very satisfied with my courses and the University.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2023
3.9
My Review on doing a Masters in UIUC
Tips: Since the university is in Illinois, the weather during the winters is brutal, which most Indians will find difficult to adapt to. Hence I advise you to buy proper winter clothes when winter approaches. The grocery stores on or near campus are also expensive, so you need to learn how to buy food in bulk without wasting anything. UIUC has a large diaspora of not only Indians but other nationalities as well, so socializing is necessary but not tedious. Despite this, feelings of loneliness can set in since everyone will be busy studying for their courses, which one should be prepared for.
Likes (Public transportation): The campus has a functional transportation service which is free for students of UIUC, with plenty of buses there to reach most parts of Champaign-Urban. Despite buses taking more time to reach the destination you wish to go to, the part that is already included in your tuition fees is convenient since one pays $60 as public transportation fees.
Dislikes (Value for money): Since I did my Masters in Aerospace Engineering, finding internships for myself was tedious due to ITAR. And unlike Indian institutes, we have to find internships by ourselves because most companies that come to the career fair look for US citizens only, though I would advise going to the career fair anyway to network.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2024Read more
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A
Ayush Sharma Verified Icon
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
4.3
You will be required to work hard.
Tips: UIUC is a work hard-play hard type of university. If you're into that, then definitely do apply! Also keep in mind that UIUC does not give out many scholarships to international students. The research opportunities are great here, along with more than 1000+ clubs and organizations.
Likes (Public transportation): The bus transportation system is one of the best in the country. The bus system is free for all students, and the bus network extends beyond the campus, to the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. There are a number of buses, which means there's never a shortage or long waiting time on them. Buses are also more so generally they are quite on time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many authentic versions of Indian dishes in the dining halls. Although, you could get Indian food in restaurants outside the campus. Some days, in particular dining halls such as ISR, Indian food is provided in the form of samosas or paneer, however I wouldn't rely on the authenticity.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6516
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2023Read more
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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

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Answered 3 months ago

Kyoto University and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign both are among the top choices of international students for pursuing higher education. Every university offers something unique for its international students to stand out of the herd. Both universities have its advantages and disadvan

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Manashjyoti Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 months ago

According to the Times Higher Education university rankings, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign has been ranked in the top 50 universities in the nation. The rankings of the university according to THE university level rankings are given as follows:

Year University Rank 
202348
202442
202546

51812419
Tasneem Hoda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

The university offers various services to the students. These include:

  • Career related services
  • Counselling center
  • Mental health related services
  • Student organisations 
  • Legal Services
  • On-campus accommodation etc.

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign was ranked #23 at national level and #61 at the global level by Shiksha Popularity Ranking. THE (Times Higher Education) ranked the university #42 in 2025, which showcases an improved trend when compared with 2024. Apart from this, the university was ranke

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PRIYANKA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 months ago

Yes, there are Architect programs available at undergraduate and graduate level. The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies is a four year degree, whereas Masters in Architecture is a 2 year programme accredited by NAAB

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Study Abroad Expert

Akansha katariya is a content creator at shiksha.com, creating content for study abroad. Having pursued B tech. in Electronics and communication from RGPV University, she has been creating content across diverse domains. When not guiding students, sh...Read Full Bio

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

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University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
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University CityChampaign, Illinois, USA
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Population of City86,637

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Contact Information

Address

300 Turner Student Services Building
610 East John Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820

Champaign ( Illinois)

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